With a few good hours of listening, here's my supremely subjective take on the PCM56PJ version of our host's fine DAC.
(tl;dr not too different from first take in #3575 above)
As noted above, testing consisted of a board built with virtually identical components to the AD1862 version I usually listen to: Wima poly caps, Elna Silmic electrolytics, and Vishay metal-film resistors (the 1862 has General Resistance IV and current-limiting resistors, but they weren't leagues better than the Vishays in back-back testing). Op amp is a single AD844 per side. Power supply is a PSU 1.
To my ears the PCM56 is perhaps more balanced than the AD1862, but the 1862 has superior range and detail, and especially good bass detail. I think the 1862 also has the edge with things like the snap of drums and cymbals. The PCM56 might be a little richer with male vocals. In some ways the PCM56 feels kind of laid-back and the 1862 not quite in-your-face but more forward. Both are enjoyable and neither are fatiguing.
Overall, I prefer the 1862 but can't say that it's 'better'. I had a similar reaction when testing Patrick's Xen IV and the AD844, actually, and maybe I just like tricks - the B1K preamp's ear candy 2nd harmonics are by no means neutral and I like it that way. The 104/2s were controversial when new because they were voiced differently from prior Kefs, and I like them that way.
(tl;dr not too different from first take in #3575 above)
As noted above, testing consisted of a board built with virtually identical components to the AD1862 version I usually listen to: Wima poly caps, Elna Silmic electrolytics, and Vishay metal-film resistors (the 1862 has General Resistance IV and current-limiting resistors, but they weren't leagues better than the Vishays in back-back testing). Op amp is a single AD844 per side. Power supply is a PSU 1.
To my ears the PCM56 is perhaps more balanced than the AD1862, but the 1862 has superior range and detail, and especially good bass detail. I think the 1862 also has the edge with things like the snap of drums and cymbals. The PCM56 might be a little richer with male vocals. In some ways the PCM56 feels kind of laid-back and the 1862 not quite in-your-face but more forward. Both are enjoyable and neither are fatiguing.
Overall, I prefer the 1862 but can't say that it's 'better'. I had a similar reaction when testing Patrick's Xen IV and the AD844, actually, and maybe I just like tricks - the B1K preamp's ear candy 2nd harmonics are by no means neutral and I like it that way. The 104/2s were controversial when new because they were voiced differently from prior Kefs, and I like them that way.
So did you post a review of the XEN CM IV ?
Circuit is the same as AD844, only much richer Class A.
And Toshiba low noise BJTs.
Patrick
Circuit is the same as AD844, only much richer Class A.
And Toshiba low noise BJTs.
Patrick
I didn't. Overall the Xen CM IV sounded to me to be accurate, well balanced and enjoyable. I believe that that AD844 pleasantly exaggerates in comparison to the Xen, especially at the bottom end, and since it seems to compensate for my speakers I leave them in most of the time. Until I get tired of the ear candy and go back to the Xen for a while.
I built your Tube Output Stage today and connected it to the AD1862. I'm happy to hear that I prefer the sound over the OP stage. The mid-range voice are especially attractive to me. Thank you.
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I'm curious, what is the device with a screen on the right side? Is it a Volumio streamer?
Sorry Tamra, I still wanted to ask what series are 4 blue polymer capacitors at 100 uF.
Thank you.
I started to solder the parts... Please look at shift registers - are they properly soldered? This is my first chips and smd's😀
I have a trouble with Dale resistor - he is too big for place on board - what should I do?
Unfortunately I can't build PSU-2. I will be look an another PSU (my friend got one). Do I must solder 2R2 or just jumpers (J1-J13)?
I also buy Amanero and need the transformer (I guess I'll order from ali R-Core 12V). The last parts will be soldered on next week!
I have a trouble with Dale resistor - he is too big for place on board - what should I do?
Unfortunately I can't build PSU-2. I will be look an another PSU (my friend got one). Do I must solder 2R2 or just jumpers (J1-J13)?
I also buy Amanero and need the transformer (I guess I'll order from ali R-Core 12V). The last parts will be soldered on next week!
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@sworder84 SMD chips are looking good 😉
... just bend the legs on Dale resistor
Yes, you can solder 2R2, you won't lose anything 🙂
... just bend the legs on Dale resistor
Yes, you can solder 2R2, you won't lose anything 🙂
@miro1360 back side have only two smd's and not difficult to solder them. I'm glad about 74HCT's 🙂
Dale have a big body and I put down him but is there a small distance between board and resistor. I hope is ok too!
Mouser is not send to me is one thing - 113316 (dip 16 for chips 1862). I will buy them a local shop.
Dale have a big body and I put down him but is there a small distance between board and resistor. I hope is ok too!
Mouser is not send to me is one thing - 113316 (dip 16 for chips 1862). I will buy them a local shop.
@sworder84 The small distance between board and resistor is ok.
Preferably buy the socket with golden contacts 🙂
Preferably buy the socket with golden contacts 🙂
DIY streamer. It is HP Thin Client t420. I installed debian linux, MPD, and upmpdcli, etc.
I'm happy that you enjoy it 🙂
What is your B+ voltage?
According to my experience string instruments are sounding so realistic. Generally the music is more "live" for me.
You can try another capacitors at the output. This is a really basic circuit the result is highly depend on the components. You can fine tune the sound according your taste.
I'm using FET ripple filer circuit. B+ is 205 VDC now, it can be adjusted from 180 ~ 22?
K voltage is 2.53 VDC. I'll try another caps at the output.
